【Source】
Zhang Jingyue’s Prescriptions
【Composition】
Prepared Rehmannia Root, Cornus Fruit, Goji Berry, Donkey-hide Gelatin, Cuscuta Seed, Chinese Yam, Turtle Shell Gelatin, Achyranthes Root, Poria Mushroom
(9)
【Classification】
<Blood Tonic>: Prepared Rehmannia Root
<Nourish Yin and Tonify Yin>: Turtle Shell Gelatin
<Tonify Liver and Kidney>: Goji Berry, Cuscuta Seed
<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Chinese Yam
<Tonify Spleen and Promote Urination>: Poria Mushroom
<Tonify Yang and Assist Yang>: Donkey-hide Gelatin
<Invigorate Blood and Dispel Stasis>: Achyranthes Root
<Astringe>: Cornus Fruit
【Formula Analysis】
According to “Vital Depletion Heart Transmission” by He Shi: Pure tonics may still be insufficient. Adding Poria and Alisma to promote urination would reduce the tonic effect and make it difficult to achieve results. Therefore, two gelatinous substances, turtle and donkey-hide, are added to the yin-tonifying herbs, as they belong to blood and qi and are effective in tonifying. According to “Study of Formulas”: The formula heavily relies on prepared rehmannia to nourish the kidney and replenish true yin; goji berries invigorate essence and improve vision; Cornus fruit astringes essence and stops sweating; turtle and donkey-hide gelatin, being products of flesh and blood, are potent. Donkey-hide gelatin tends to tonify yang, while turtle shell gelatin tends to nourish the kidney. The combination of these two gelatins communicates the Ren and Du meridians, replenishes essence and marrow, and embodies the principle of “seeking yin within yang” through yin tonification. Cuscuta seed combined with Achyranthes root strengthens the waist and knees, and benefits tendons and bones. Chinese yam nourishes the spleen and kidney. Together, they achieve the effects of nourishing the kidney, replenishing yin, nurturing yin, and calming yang.
【Functions】
Nourishes yin and tonifies the kidney, replenishes essence and marrow, nourishes the liver and kidney, and regulates essence and blood.
【Indications】
Kidney yin deficiency, liver and kidney essence and blood depletion, nourishment of Ying and Wei qi, emaciation, sore and weak waist and knees, intermittent fever due to deficiency, spontaneous sweating and night sweats, disturbed spirit, blood not returning to its origin, frequent urination, dizziness due to qi deficiency, blurred vision and tinnitus, dry mouth and throat, and all symptoms of internal depletion of essence and marrow, and dryness of body fluids.
【Applicable Symptoms】
Chronic nephritis, chronic prostatitis, tuberculosis, male and female reproductive system diseases, infertility, premature ejaculation, neurasthenia, and symptoms such as lower back pain and lumbar muscle strain.
【Contraindications】
This formula consists mainly of yin-nourishing and moistening herbs. Long-term or continuous use may easily lead to stagnation in the spleen and stomach, causing symptoms such as chest tightness and reduced appetite. Therefore, when using this formula, it is advisable to add ingredients like dried tangerine peel and amomum fruit to regulate qi and invigorate the spleen and stomach, preventing the adverse effects of over-tonification hindering digestion and transportation.
【Mnemonic】
You Gui Wan has eight ingredients, Zuo Gui Wan has six. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is composed of the three tonics plus Turtle and Donkey-hide Gelatin (excluding Ginseng) plus Achyranthes and Cuscuta.
【Modifications】
(1) For cases with “fire refining lung metal,” dry cough with little phlegm, add lily bulb to moisten the lungs and stop cough. (2) For nocturnal fever and steaming bone sensation, add root bark of Chinese boxthorn to clear deficiency heat and relieve steaming bone sensation. (3) For difficulty and obscurity in urination, add Poria mushroom to promote urination and drain dampness. (4) For qi deficiency, add ginseng to tonify qi. (5) For dry, constipated stools, remove Cuscuta seed and add Eupolyphaga to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements. (6) For true yin deficiency with upward-flaring deficiency fire, remove Goji berry and Donkey-hide Gelatin, and add fruits of Chinese privet and Ophiopogon japonicus to nourish yin and clear heat. (7) For blood deficiency with mild stagnation, add Angelica sinensis to tonify blood and regulate blood. (8) For sore and painful waist and knees, add Eucommia bark to strengthen tendons and bones. (9) For kidney yang deficiency, add psoralea seeds to tonify kidney yang. (10) For frequent urination, add bat’s ink gland, seminula of etlingera, white atractylodes, and oyster shell to tonify spleen and kidney and benefit essence. (11) For vaginal discharge, add root bark of Chinese toon and Angelica dahurica to astringe and stop discharge. (12) Removing Achyranthes root, Cuscuta seed, Donkey-hide Gelatin, and Turtle Shell Gelatin from this formula, and adding processed licorice and Poria mushroom results in Zuo Gui Yin from “Complete Works of Jingyue.” Its function is to tonify kidney yin, and it primarily treats symptoms such as sore waist, seminal emission, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, thirst with desire to drink, red tongue tip, and thin, rapid pulse. (13) If the organ is balanced without fire but the kidney qi is insufficient, add 3 liang of Psoralea corylifolia (without the heart), 4 liang each of lotus seed and walnut kernel, and omit turtle shell gelatin.
【Pharmacology】
It has effects such as regulating neuroendocrine function, improving metabolism, and enhancing non-specific immune function.